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Castlemaine Maldon Trail

The Castlemaine to Maldon Trail allows walkers and cyclists to enjoy stunning natural surroundings as they travel alongside the historic Victorian Goldfields Railway.

Experience the trail

The 17.7 km walking and cycling trail links the shire's largest towns of Castlemaine and Maldon. Look out for the steam train as you walk, run or ride the trail alongside the historic goldfields railway.

Trail features include a timber boardwalk, north of Muckleford Station, a creek crossing over Muckleford Creek, and family-friendly vehicle free sections. View farming, bushlands and historic sites along the way, or race the train at an annual spring event.

Visit the Maldon Beehive at the start or end of your journey, or stop for a rest at Muckleford Railway Station half way.

If you are not up for the return trip, travel back by the steam train operated by Victorian Goldfields Railway (VGR).

The trail was opened by the Hon. Maree Edwards, Deputy of the Speaker of the House, in March 2017.

It was funded by the Victorian Government's Local Government Infrastructure Fund.

Trail information

The distance in 17.7 km.

It takes around two hours to ride one-way.

The trail is a shared user path for cyclists and walkers.

It is vehicle free in the middle section of the trail

The main entry points are on Langslow Street in Castlemaine and near the Beehive Mine on Reef Street in Maldon.

The trail is registered with the Emergency Services Telecommunications Authority (ESTA) to be able to pin point exact locations in hard to define spaces during an emergency. ETSA totems are located every 1 km along the trail.

Dogs must be under control at all times.

Toilet facilities are located in town centres.

The trail is closed on days of Total Fire Ban.

Trail linkages and maps

The trail links with the Campbells Creek Trail via Elizabeth Street. Travel over the Elizabeth Street Bridge to link up with Langslow Street, where the Castlemaine to Maldon Trail starts. The Campbells Creek Trail is depicted in orange on the map.

Things to see and do

Race the Train

Race the train is an annual mountain bike race against the historic steam train between Castlemaine and Maldon.Held each year in spring, the event starts at the Old Castlemaine Gaol near Castlemaine Train Station and finishes at the railway station in Maldon.

The race offers the chance to cycle the trail competitively or ride socially along the family friendly scenic trail. If cycling is not your forte you can buy a ticket and watch the action unfold from the comfort of the carriages.

After the ride why not return in the comfort and fun of an authentic steam train? Travel in first class with style and indulge in something from the bar, or enjoy the open windows in the family excursion carriages. Passenger bikes are carried at no charge on regular train services.

Mount Alexander Shire is the ideal day trip or overnight destination. It's just over an hour from Melbourne by car or rail, with an amazing gold-rush history. Townships like Castlemaine and Maldon are a much-loved escape for foodies, nature lovers, walkers, cyclists, car enthusiasts, history buffs and art aficionados.

To find out more information on local events and attractions, places to stay, shopping and dining options visit our tourism website.